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AMT Careers

What exactly is an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and what do they do?

An Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) holds an Airframe (fuselage) and/or Powerplant (engine) certificate issued by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled
maintenance on aircraft. They may also perform aircraft inspections as required by the FAA. An AMT also performs, supervises
and conducts preventive maintenance.

How does someone become an AMT?

The FAA requirements for eligibility for a certificate include the following:

Be 18 or older

Be able to read, speak, and understand English

Meet the experience or educational requirement

Pass a set of required tests

The required tests include computerized knowledge tests and a practical test which includes an oral examination.

Career Outlook & Earning Potential

In 2012, there were 138,900 jobs for AMTs in the United States with a median income of $55,210 per year. The employment of AMTs is
growing and those mechanics that hold an Airframe and Powerplant certificate are in high-demand throughout the industry.